Gundogs and Guard dogs

Welcome to Semantics & Dirty Words—the podcast where dog training meets honesty, frustration, and the occasional Malinois obsession.

It's hot in Scotland, the shoes are off, the moans are on, and we’re diving headfirst into the latest drama around aversive training methods, misguided ideology, and what animal welfare really looks like.

Lez is knackered, Ross is insulted, and the Scottish Animal Welfare Council has dropped a spicy little report that has us asking: is this about dogs, or just semantics?

If you’ve ever questioned the status quo, felt like the industry's full of noise, or just want dogs to live their best lives without the BS—this one’s for you. Let’s get into it.

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Lez and Ross have both been in the industry professionally for well over 20 years and each has been involved with dogs for over 40 years.

Whilst sensibly they have stayed away from the ‘limelight’ regarding TV offers, they have regularly been on national and local radio, spoken at national events at NDWA, CFBA, and Kennel Club / Crufts events as well as bespoke speaking engagements for the Dog Safety Education Executive (DogSEE).

Ross wrote for Dogs Monthly Magazine for over 12 years and Lez was the first lady feature writer for a national Shooting Magazine (both Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter).

They were also 'study buddies' and were the first in the UK to achieve a Masters Degree (Professional Practice) in Canine Behaviour and Psychology in 2011.

They work well together and apart, support and work with dog rescue organisations and train professional dog trainers and behaviourists.

Different as chalk and cheese, but maybe not as different as they like to think.

Intrigued? want to know more? then check out our websites...

www.rossmccarthy.com ~ www.lezgraham.com

And if you'd rather watch than listen, you can catch Gundogs and Guard Dogs on Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/@gundogguarddog

Mr Mic Martin of Dog Borstal fame.Growing up in Germany with a dog enthusiast for a mother, Mic would have rather played football! It’s amazing how those early years shaped his later career in the Police.

Although not a driving force for Mic, they certainly propelled him forward to his successful career as a Police Dog Handler, which later opened the door to working with the BBC and Warner Brothers Studios.The conversation begins at the start, where we discover how the face of the Police Dog Section has evolved. After an occupational injury and a few wrong decisions, life in the Police came to an end, and a flourishing career as a civilian dog trainer began. This included work with clients, as well as film projects, both behind and in front of the camera.Who the hell is Phil Thompson?MI6 needs Military Police Dogs… who are you going to call? Mic Martin!A facial hair dilemma, a fleece, parquet flooring, an introduction to the BBC, and tips on how to handle the haters, as well as how to make a difference to charities using your status.Another lesson in how and why to rehome your husband and what it's like to work with celebrities – from the gorgeous and friendly Jason Statham, to the cigarette-smoking Daniel Radcliffe, and the not-so-forthcoming Emma Watson.We explore how the world of film can mirror real life and leave a real impact on the experiences and memories we hold.We conclude with a ‘thank you’ for some refreshing normality... and a stalker issue!He’s just a bloke from Wolverhampton.How the fuck we got through this without Mic swearing is a miracle! ---- oOo ----

Lez and Ross have both been in the industry professionally for well over 20 years and each has been involved with dogs for over 40 years.

Whilst sensibly they have stayed away from the ‘limelight’ regarding TV offers, they have regularly been on national and local radio, spoken at national events at NDWA, CFBA, and Kennel Club / Crufts events as well as bespoke speaking engagements for the Dog Safety Education Executive (DogSEE).

Ross wrote for Dogs Monthly Magazine for over 12 years and Lez was the first lady feature writer for a national Shooting Magazine (both Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter).

They were also 'study buddies' and were the first in the UK to achieve a Masters Degree (Professional Practice) in Canine Behaviour and Psychology in 2011.

They work well together and apart, support and work with dog rescue organisations and train professional dog trainers and behaviourists.

Different as chalk and cheese, but maybe not as different as they like to think.

Intrigued? want to know more? then check out our websites...

www.rossmccarthy.com ~ www.lezgraham.com

And if you'd rather watch than listen, you can catch Gundogs and Guard Dogs on Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/@gundogguarddog

Moaning again…

Why would anyone live in London, and who on earth would drive around it?

Ross, of course!

Why’s the Scottish contingent so tired?

A few days of teaching, perhaps?

There’s not much to moan about, but these two certainly manage it! From Bunny heaven, through badger hell, to deer dread, and ending on f#@*ing foxes – the duo are back at it.

They also revisit the topic of dog attacks – always a hot topic, given how much it pops up in the news and on social media.

Dog safety and responsible parenting are passions for the team at GaGD, and of course, Lez and Ross don’t shy away from having a good moan about the state of society and the impact of social media.

Why stop there? They even have a go at people who listen to podcasts and music while out and about, risking being run over or, worse, attacked by a serial killer.

There's some serious talk about safety and the Imabi App, definitely worth a listen, if you can bear it!

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Lez and Ross have both been in the industry professionally for well over 20 years and each has been involved with dogs for over 40 years.

Whilst sensibly they have stayed away from the ‘limelight’ regarding TV offers, they have regularly been on national and local radio, spoken at national events at NDWA, CFBA, and Kennel Club / Crufts events as well as bespoke speaking engagements for the Dog Safety Education Executive (DogSEE).

Ross wrote for Dogs Monthly Magazine for over 12 years and Lez was the first lady feature writer for a national Shooting Magazine (both Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter).

They were also 'study buddies' and were the first in the UK to achieve a Masters Degree (Professional Practice) in Canine Behaviour and Psychology in 2011.

They work well together and apart, support and work with dog rescue organisations and train professional dog trainers and behaviourists.

Different as chalk and cheese, but maybe not as different as they like to think.

Intrigued? want to know more? then check out our websites...

www.rossmccarthy.com ~ www.lezgraham.com

And if you'd rather watch than listen, you can catch Gundogs and Guard Dogs on Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/@gundogguarddog

From the Council House to the Countryside via Canine Karaoke with Di Stevens 🐾

Forget Guard Dogs…this podcast delves into everything Gundog, Gundog and more Gundog! Field Trials, Labradors, and Working Tests, to Show Dogs and much more!

Ross and Lez are joined by the amazing Di Stevens, with a career that starts with breaking horses and discovering the Labrador breed, and now has made remarkable strides in the world of Gundogs, achieving success across multiple disciplines.

Starting with a couple of Chocolate Labradors in the breed ring, she then moved into the working field, qualifying dogs in multiple disciplines.

The London contingent often finds discussions about birds, killing animals, and life beyond the M25 somewhat distasteful… and interestingly, so do many Gundog enthusiasts!

This sparks an intriguing conversation about the ethics of Country Sports and how we all must remain true to our moral compass.

As always, the conversation circles back to nature vs. nurture, and finding the right dog for the job. Why can't you enter the Grand Prix in a Fiat Panda?

Di's passion for her discipline is evident as she keeps her fingers firmly in every pie related to Gundogs. Prepare yourself for some eye-opening insights into the often-overlooked weaknesses of breed judges.

We also discuss how Gundog training in the UK and Europe has improved significantly in recent years.

Thankfully, our understanding of living with, and working alongside, our companion dogs has evolved—it's all about the relationships we build.

For more information about Di Stevens:- https://www.wylanbriar.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/wylanbriar.gundogs

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Lez and Ross have both been in the industry professionally for well over 20 years and each has been involved with dogs for over 40 years.

Whilst sensibly they have stayed away from the ‘limelight’ regarding TV offers, they have regularly been on national and local radio, spoken at national events at NDWA, CFBA, and Kennel Club / Crufts events as well as bespoke speaking engagements for the Dog Safety Education Executive (DogSEE).

Ross wrote for Dogs Monthly Magazine for over 12 years and Lez was the first lady feature writer for a national Shooting Magazine (both Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter).

They were also 'study buddies' and were the first in the UK to achieve a Masters Degree (Professional Practice) in Canine Behaviour and Psychology in 2011.

They work well together and apart, support and work with dog rescue organisations and train professional dog trainers and behaviourists.

Different as chalk and cheese, but maybe not as different as they like to think.

Intrigued? want to know more? then check out our websites...

www.rossmccarthy.com ~ www.lezgraham.com

And if you'd rather watch than listen, you can catch Gundogs and Guard Dogs on Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/@gundogguarddog

Another guest joins us, the fabulous Rachel Bean RVN MCFBA. She has more fingers in more pies than anyone we know. After over 27 years in veterinary medicine, an early start at the Dogs Trust…or actually the National Canine Defence League (NCDL) Rachel’s career has just gone from strength to strength. She forms relationships across all sectors and whilst her specialism is Canine First Aid Training, she has so many more strings to her bow. On this episode we discuss lost dog tracking, overseas street dogs and the cultural differences that affect dogs athough her passion has always been owner education and responsible dog ownership. After discussing First Aid, Qualifications with iPET Network, we move on to expert witness work, film work, supporting dogs belonging to the homeless via street paws and the Dog Champion Scheme, Soi Dog and so much more including the strange idea of lobbing your car keys into long grass and Rachel’s new developments. ----- oOo -----Lez and Ross have both been in the industry professionally for well over 20 years and each has been involved with dogs for over 40 years.

Whilst sensibly they have stayed away from the ‘limelight’ regarding TV offers, they have regularly been on national and local radio, spoken at national events at NDWA, CFBA, and Kennel Club / Crufts events as well as bespoke speaking engagements for the Dog Safety Education Executive (DogSEE).

Ross wrote for Dogs Monthly Magazine for over 12 years and Lez was the first lady feature writer for a national Shooting Magazine (both Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter).

They were also 'study buddies' and were the first in the UK to achieve a Masters Degree (Professional Practice) in Canine Behaviour and Psychology in 2011. They work well together and apart, support and work with dog rescue organisations and train professional dog trainers and behaviourists.

Different as chalk and cheese, but maybe not as different as they like to think.

Intrigued? want to know more? then check out our websites...

www.rossmccarthy.com ~ www.lezgraham.com

And if you'd rather watch than listen, you can catch Gundogs and Guard Dogs on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@gundogguarddog

What does it take to be a dog behaviourist? It sounds like a fun job, doesn't it? But is it really fun, or is it more fascinating, emotionally draining, and even dangerous? Perhaps it’s not all about dogs after all!What qualities and skills are required?What exactly is your "true north"? Be mindful of the wobbles—they happen to all of us who care.Being a chameleon and adapting your behaviour to mirror those you’re working with, as well as dressing as a consultant rather than a kennel worker, is key.Getting people on your team and delivering often unwelcome advice is no easy feat. How you present yourself—both in terms of demeanour and attire—affects the trust and confidence others place in your abilities.Understanding the stages of learning and building relationships is essential.Learning and gaining knowledge—qualifications versus practical experience. Picking up poo, mopping floors, making tea, and not getting paid for any of it…perhaps that’s where the real learning happens.Learning to understand body language—and recognising how anatomy and physiology are inextricably linked to dog behaviour and training—is crucial.Taking every opportunity—or not—and discovering the many other, often unexpected, skills required along the way.If you’re thinking of becoming a canine behaviourist, or if you’re already on that journey, this is an essential and thought-provoking listen.
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Lez and Ross have both been in the industry professionally for well over 20 years and each has been involved with dogs for over 40 years.

Whilst sensibly they have stayed away from the ‘limelight’ regarding TV offers, they have regularly been on national and local radio, spoken at national events at NDWA, CFBA, and Kennel Club / Crufts events as well as bespoke speaking engagements for the Dog Safety Education Executive (DogSEE).

Ross wrote for Dogs Monthly Magazine for over 12 years and Lez was the first lady feature writer for a national Shooting Magazine (both Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter).

They were also 'study buddies' and were the first in the UK to achieve a Masters Degree (Professional Practice) in Canine Behaviour and Psychology in 2011.

They work well together and apart, support and work with dog rescue organisations and train professional dog trainers and behaviourists.

Different as chalk and cheese, but maybe not as different as they like to think.Intrigued? want to know more? then check out our websites...

www.rossmccarthy.com ~ www.lezgraham.com

And if you'd rather watch than listen, you can catch Gundogs and Guard Dogs on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@gundogguarddog

Unlocking the Future of Canine Regenerative Medicine with Andrew ArmitageIn this groundbreaking episode, we dive into the world of regenerative therapies for dogs with Andrew Armitage BSc (Hons), BVM&S, MRCVS, a pioneer in the field.

With thousands of successful treatments under his belt, Andrew and his team at Greenside Veterinary Practice have treated more animals using biological therapies than anyone else in the UK. Their extensive database of treatment responses offers unparalleled insights into the effectiveness of regenerative medicine.

Andrew shares how cutting-edge therapies—like stem cell treatments, PRP, and Class IV laser therapy—are transforming the lives of dogs suffering from musculoskeletal conditions.

His team’s exceptional success rate in reducing pain and restoring function is backed by rigorous scientific research, pushing the boundaries of veterinary medicine.

Join us as we explore how regenerative medicine is revolutionising pet healthcare, the latest breakthroughs in the field, and what the future holds for canine rehabilitation.

Whether you’re a vet, pet owner, or simply fascinated by medical innovation, this episode is packed with invaluable insights.

For more information about Andy's pioneering work with regenerative therapies :-https://www.stemcellsscotland.co.uk/https://www.facebook.com/greensidevetsregenhttps://www.instagram.com/greensideregentherapy/
For more information about Andy's pioneering work with regenerative therapies :-https://www.stemcellsscotland.co.uk/https://www.facebook.com/greensidevetsregenhttps://www.instagram.com/greensideregentherapy/

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Lez and Ross have both been in the industry professionally for well over 20 years and each has been involved with dogs for over 40 years.

Whilst sensibly they have stayed away from the ‘limelight’ regarding TV offers, they have regularly been on national and local radio, spoken at national events at NDWA, CFBA, and Kennel Club / Crufts events as well as bespoke speaking engagements for the Dog Safety Education Executive (DogSEE).

Ross wrote for Dogs Monthly Magazine for over 12 years and Lez was the first lady feature writer for a national Shooting Magazine (both Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter).

They were also 'study buddies' and were the first in the UK to achieve a Masters Degree (Professional Practice) in Canine Behaviour and Psychology in 2011.

They work well together and apart, support and work with dog rescue organisations and train professional dog trainers and behaviourists.

Different as chalk and cheese, but maybe not as different as they like to think.Intrigued? want to know more? then check out our websites...

www.rossmccarthy.com ~ www.lezgraham.com

And if you'd rather watch than listen, you can catch Gundogs and Guard Dogs on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@gundogguarddog

The unusual moany greeting…it takes 2 seconds to get on to moaning about the weather…that sets the scene for a talk about dog safety.

Ooh…did someone mention ‘positive only training’?

Bribing dogs ignoring dogs and growing into behaviour issues! Neuroplasticity…”it don’t work like that!”

Self-rewarding behaviours and turning around and ignoring the dog jumping up whilst your back is left gushing with blood!

It’s a bit of a moany one…but the dog world is a mess and we can’t escape that…despite the wave of 'Science-based' bullsh…erm methodology.

Sniffy walks Vs appropriate physical exercise. What actually makes dogs happy? It’s certainly not what some people think or promote!

Fatal dog attacks and the Malinois…2 babies killed. The rise of the Cane Corso the questions about the XL Bully.

The North and South divide are both just perplexed by the stupidity and naivety of people. They chat about the Dog Safety Education Executive (DogSEE.org) and the #puthecameradown campaign.

Unfortunately we don’t live in Disney land and we have to keep it real!

And it’s not just aggression and bites that can cause injuries or issues…how can people be educated with so much crap on the socials?!

Breed Books and telling the truth. Go in with your eyes open… not all dogs are the same.

They have more questions than answers…but something has got to give.

They may somewhat overegg the pudding at times, but that’s based on the horrors that they have seen (lucky for you...some of the conversations about dog related fatalities were kept off the Podcast…Lez and Ross didn’t need the images in their head and so were kind enough not to pass that on to you!)

They close with recent bite stats and hospitalisations and reiterate never to be complacent.

All doom and gloom…get your public liability insurance and support your local rescue charities rather than the big ones who fuel the problem.

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A Chat with CIDBT Tutor Diane Kunas from Seattle

From a first meeting in Merthyr Tydfil 20 years ago to completing her Master’s degree and returning stateside, Diane Kunas has had quite the journey.

We delved into some fascinating insights about dog ownership in Seattle and across various US states. The discussion uncovered surprising similarities between the UK and the US, from our shared obsession with “fur-babies” to training methods and attitudes towards our four-legged friends. Topics ranged from balanced training vs. force-free approaches to dog laws, breed-specific legislation (BSL), and—of course—the all-important subject of oodles of Doodles.

Diane’s passion for Bull breeds, especially the slobber-prone Dogue de Bordeaux, shone through. She’s left a trail of drool across Seattle, no doubt turning heads and winning hearts.

We also touched on industry regulations—or the glaring lack thereof—and how these impact the world of dog training. It's clear that both sides of the pond share plenty of common ground, even if the accents are a little different!

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Happy New Year from this miserable duo!

Mostly flat, but there is some useful information about puppies teething and transitioning into adulthood.